Mazda Australia has closed the 2005/2006 financial year strongly, retailing a near record 5,706 vehicles last month, according to VFACTS figures.

The March result lifted Mazda Australia’s 2005/2006 financial year sales total to a record 65,460 units, an improvement of 10.3 per cent year-on-year.

Mazda 6 with 1,131 sales continued as the best selling import in the sub $55,000 Medium market (20.1 per cent share), while the MX-5 (152 sales and 14.7 per cent share) again topped the sub $80,000 Sports segment.

Mazda Australia’s managing director, Doug Dickson, said: “The March result was a prefect way to end what has been an extraordinary financial year for Mazda."

“Our record retail sales performance demonstrates that our stylish, insightful and spirited cars are in demand and that our dealer group, which is one of the industry’s most professional networks, has met the challenge of delivering excellent customer service to our rapidly expanding customer base”.

Between calendar year 2000 and 2005 Mazda sales have increased by 142 per cent.

This year Mazda expects to retail 67,000 vehicles in a market that will reach about 980,000 vehicle sales.

2006 Mazda 6 Limited sedan